Is Northeastern University a Good School? Northeastern University Rankings and Reviews (2024)

For the past three years, Northeastern University has maintained its ranking as one of the top 50 universities in the nation. The school has a beautiful campus that offers various degree programs, along with several positive Northeastern reviews from its alumni. However, is Northeastern University a good school for you? Keep reading to find out.

This article will dive deep into all things Northeastern, including what Northeastern University is known for, how big it is, and whether a degree from Northeastern University is any good. We will also analyze the Northeastern rankings on the top college ranking lists, the cost of attending, and the top programs at the school.

Northeastern University Profile

• Campus Locations: Boston, Burlington, Charlotte, London, Nahant, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Toronto, Vancouver
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Acceptance Rate: 18%
• Graduation Rate: 91%
• Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $57,592
• Annual Graduate Tuition: $25,801

According to the NCES, Northeastern University is a private, non-profit university in Boston, Massachusetts. It opened in 1898 and has since grown into a large institution serving the academic needs of 22,905 domestic and international students. The school awards degrees spanning a wide range of subjects and ranks among the best colleges nationwide.

Additionally, Northeastern University is a leader in research. It secured $180 million in external research funding and has nine interdisciplinary research institutes devoted to tackling global challenges. The school believes strongly in experiential learning opportunities and is famous for its co-op programs.

Where Is Northeastern University?

Northeastern University’s flagship campus is located at 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts. However, it has 11 additional locations in its campus network spread out across North America and the UK. Additionally, Northeastern offers more than 80 online programs in a variety of industries and fields that students can access from anywhere in the world.

What Is Northeastern University Known For?

Northeastern University is well known for its focus on experiential learning and outstanding co-op programs. Due to its wide network of co-op employers, the average student can alternate their academic study with full-time work. In doing so, Northeastern students acquire real-life skills and build connections that will help them meet their career goals.

Is Northeastern University Ivy League?

No, Northeastern University is not an Ivy League school. The Ivy League comprises eight elite private schools which include Princeton, Columbia, Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth College, Brown, Cornell, and University of Pennsylvania. They are among the most prestigious schools worldwide and are renowned for selectivity, academic excellence, and excellent career opportunities.

How Big Is Northeastern University?

Northeastern University is a large school with a current student body of 22,905. It has a full-time undergraduate enrollment of 16,514 and a robust workforce comprising 3,359 faculty, 3,036 staff, and 346 research professionals. Additionally, the school stands on a 73-acre campus and has multiple campuses across North America and the UK.

Is a Degree From Northeastern University Good?

Yes, a degree from Northeastern University is good, it will give you the skills and knowledge in your field of study to advance your career once you graduate. In fact, 93 percent of Northeastern graduates secure full-time jobs or enroll in graduate school within nine months of graduation. This is thanks to Northeastern’s cooperative education program, which helps build students’ professional experience and career skills.

How Much Does Northeastern University Cost?

Northeastern University costs an average of $57,592 in tuition alone. Related expenses like books, supplies, and room and board cost an average of $20,610, bringing the total annual cost of attending Northeastern up to $78,202. However, this figure is just an estimate, and the actual cost of attending Northeastern depends on your degree, financial aid, and program length.

Northeastern University Financial Aid

Each year, 78 percent of new Northeastern University students receive financial aid in form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work awards. Northeastern awards scholarships and grants on merit or as need-based financial aid which do not require repayment. However, if you finance your education with student loans, you must create a plan to repay your student debt.

Northeastern University Scholarships

• Northeastern National Merit Finalist and National Recognition Program Scholarships. This merit-based award is only available to newly admitted students designated as National Merit Finalists or College Board National Recognition Program Scholars. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must select Northeastern as their college of choice and submit all documents before March 31.
• Torch Scholarship Program. The Torch Scholarship Program annually provides 13 scholars with a full scholarship to Northeastern. To be eligible, you must be a first-generation full-time student and possess a nomination from an education professional.
• Stamps Scholars Program. The Stamps Scholars Program is a highly competitive scholarship available only to the most accomplished enrolling Northeastern students. To be eligible, you must complete an application process, including a video application. Stamp Scholars receive a full scholarship as well as research, travel, and project stipends.
• RaiseMe Micro-Scholarships. Northeastern University, together with RaiseMe, allows high students to earn micro-scholarships of up to $20,000 in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements and accomplishments. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must complete and submit your RaiseMe portfolio before November 1 of your senior year.
• The Northeastern Boston Valedictorian Scholarship. The Northeastern University Boston Valedictorian Scholarship awards 10 full scholarships valued at $74,310 annually. To qualify, you must graduate as valedictorian in your high school and enroll as a first-year student in a Northeastern undergraduate program.

Northeastern Universty Rankings

An easy way to determine whether Northeastern Univeristy is a good school for you is by looking up the Northeastern ranking on the top school ranking lists. In the section below, we’ll explore how five of the most respected school ranking bodies rank Northeastern University.

Northeastern University US News & World Report Ranking

The US News & World Report ranks Northeastern University #176 in Best Global Universities making it one of the world’s most elite universities. Northeastern is also a top school ranked at #49 on the National College Rankings. Finally, Northeastern is the number one school for co-op and internship programs.

Northeastern University Times Higher Education Ranking

Northeastern University ranks #168 on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. To receive this ranking, Times Higher Education considers each university’s teaching, research, citation, industry income, and international outlook. Northeastern ranking highly shows that it is competitive on a global scale.

Northeastern University Center for World University Rankings

According to the Center for World University Rankings, Northeastern University is a highly competitive university with an overall score of 76.4 and a world rank of #321. Other Northeastern college rankings include a national rank of #104, an education rank of #315, and a research rank of #321.

Northeastern University QS World University Rankings

With an overall score of 29.2, Northeastern University ranks #388 on the QS World University Rankings. The QS ranking features nearly 1,500 institutions worldwide and assesses universities based on their academic reputation, faculty-to-student ratio, and research citations. Northeastern’s high ranking means that it performs well in all categories.

Northeastern University Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)

According to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Northeastern University has a world ranking of #201 to 300 and a national ranking of #63 to 89. The ARWU determines the university rankings based on six indicators of excellence. They include the number of alumni and staff with Nobel prizes and Field Medals, the number of highly cited researchers, and the number of published articles.

Top Programs at Northeastern University

The top educational programs at Northeastern University prepare you for a range of jobs after graduation. They also develop the intellectual skills and abilities you need to become a self-directed learner all through your professional life. In the section below, we’ll explore some of those programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and other programs.

Bachelor’s Degrees at Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers over 90 undergraduate majors and concentrations in diverse fields ranging from accounting to computer science. We’ve listed some of the most popular degrees below.

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Northeastern University is one of the best mechanical engineering schools in the United States. Its BSc program teaches students to design, develop, and manufacture mechanical devices for the modern world. The curriculum focuses on four areas which include applied mechanics, thermofluid engineering, materials science, and controls.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Northeastern business administration majors have the freedom to forge their own career path by choosing concentrations, combined majors, and external minors that suit them. Additionally, Northeastern’s co-op program allows students to blend management theory with real-world experience.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Northeastern’s BSc in Computer Science lasts four to five years and includes opportunities for cooperative education. Students learn fundamental computer science skills, including program design, software development, and computer organization. It includes concentrations in artificial intelligence, foundations, human-centered computing, software, and systems.

Master’s Degrees at Northeastern University

Northeastern University’s master’s degree programs allow graduate students to build on the foundations they established in their undergraduate degrees to take their learning to a deeper level. The school offers 241 master’s programs with some of the most popular ones outlined below.

Master of Science in Software Engineering Systems

Northeastern’s College of Engineering offers this MS in Software Engineering. The program intersects the fields of computer science, engineering, and ethics and adopts a sociotechnical and engineering approach to software. Engineering students learn to see complex real-life software engineering problems as opportunities for innovation.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security recognize Northeastern’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity as academically excellent. The program aims to develop security professionals who can minimize, respond to, and mitigate information security risks.

Master of Science in Computer Science

This master’s program builds on the fundamentals established in your undergraduate computer science program and teaches you to address challenges in the computer science field. At the end of the program, you will become familiar with basic algorithms and computer science principles and learn to design and maintain software applications.

Other Top Programs at Northeastern University

Apart from bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Northeastern University also offers highly specialized certificates and doctoral programs. We’ve listed the top ones below.

Cloud Software Development Certificate

This four-course program develops your skills to build a cloud computing career. You’ll learn to design, build, and deploy full-stack applications on cloud platforms. Additionally, you’ll get opportunities to work with leading cloud platform companies like AWS, Google, and Microsoft.

PhD in Computer Engineering

Computer engineering PhD students at Northeastern research various computer engineering fields, including computer architecture, software engineering, and computer-aided design. The program is largely research-based and builds on existing mathematics, physics, and chemistry knowledge.

PhD in Industrial Engineering

The PhD in industrial engineering is only open to students with a high level of academic and research competence in mechanical and industrial engineering. Doctoral candidates learn by combining real-world experience with expert-guided research.

How to Apply to Northeastern University

1. Create your application. The first step in applying to Northeastern is completing and submitting your college application. Northeastern accepts the Common Application and Coalition Application, so you can choose whichever suits you best.
2. Pay the application fee. Northeastern requires you to pay an application fee of $75 for processing your application. However, if the application fee poses a financial challenge for you, you may obtain a need-based fee waiver.
3. Submit all required materials. Northeastern cannot begin reviewing your file until it has received all the required materials. These materials include your college application, transcript, standardized tests, counselor recommendation, and teacher evaluation.
4. Check your application status. Within seven days of applying, you will receive instructions via email on how to set up your Application Status Check account. You can consult this account to ensure your documents are in order and to receive updates on your Northeastern application.

How Much Do Northeastern University Graduates Earn?

Northeastern graduates earn an average annual salary of $81,000, $7,000 higher than the average. Northeastern graduates command competitive salaries regardless of their work field. In fact, 29 percent of Northeastern graduates earn starting salaries of $70,000 or more.

Is Northeastern University a Good College?

Yes, Northeastern is a good college because it is one of the most prestigious universities in Massachusetts. It has a top-notch co-op program through which students can supplement their theoretical knowledge with practical and academic experiences. Additionally, Northeastern partners with top companies to provide exceptional opportunities for its students.

Is Northeastern University a Good School? FAQ